How to win at business travel22nd May 2015

Ok, travelling is great. It broadens the mind, expands horizons and when you do it for business it welcomes you into new marketplaces and clients. Yet it is also absolutely exhausting; jet lag, tired skin, red eyes, rubbish food. You often need a break to get yourself back on an even keel.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Every day we welcome business trippers into Clarendon serviced apartments so we know the best ways to make sure you own business travel, it doesn’t own you. Here are our tips.

Don’t be beaten by jet lag

Easier said than done, right? But jet lag doesn’t have to be an inevitable consequence of international travel. If you’re on a business trip jet lag can be costly; no one does a good day’s work with tiredness, poor concentration, reduced mental performance on their plate. The way to tackle it is to start before your business trip. If you’re crossing a date line then figure out what hours you’ll be up in your destination. When’s bedtime, when’s breakfast time? In the days before you travel start to shuffle your hours as much as you can so it won’t be a shock.

Once in the air change your watch as soon as you sit down. Change your eating and sleeping patterns to acclimatize. Use eye masks to block out light if you need to manage your body clock.

Keep active

We know we’re guilty of it when we’re away for business and we eat slightly rubbish food and do little or no exercise. Don’t. For a start it’ll make you feel sluggish and exercise will make you more alert. Use the gym or explore the city you’re in with a jog or walk. Fresh air is so much better for you than air conditioning. If you’re homesick getting into your own routine with regular exercise will make you feel you’re getting the most out of your time and help with relaxation. Start on the plane with stretches and leg exercises to keep you supple and keep the blood flowing.

Pack light

Are you a smart packer or a junk packer? If you regularly have to take things out of your suitcase to make the airline’s weight, or you find yourself packing twice as many tops as you’ll need “just in case” then listen up. Packing cleverly helps you feel more in control and also keeps your bags lighter. If you’re travelling around a new city you don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy bag. Embrace streamlined packing. Make a list of what you need, buy smaller containers for beauty products and roll pack instead of folding.

Stay hydrated

When you’re travelling you can find the air is dry and thin. It’s not good for your body or your mind. Bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated and keep yourself sharp. If you have a meeting the minute you arrive don’t be tempted to have a few alcoholic drinks on the flight. You’ll feel tired and will struggle to concentrate.

Be comfortable

Whether in the air or on land comfort is key when travelling. On a flight you can feel cramped and hemmed in. There might be plenty of walking once you arrive at your destination. Wearing loose fitting comfortable clothing will help you stay relaxed and cool. Know what the weather’s like to where you’re going (it sound basic but people often pack for the weather they want, not the weather they’ll get!). Wear shoes you can walk in and bring spares to change on the ground if you need to.